Highlighted Players of the Week: Miller and Aono

(Palm Harbor, Fla.) – During the Florida Swing at Innisbrook Resort, the International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) was confronted with the North Course which required golfers to manage tight fairways and slow, sloping greens.   This past weekend, two IJGT players posted impressive rounds that allowed each of them to take second place.  Luke Miller of Venetia, Pa. posted scores of 75-73 for an eight-over-par 148.  Saya Aono of Hokuto-shi, Japan finished with rounds of 72-74 for a six-over-par 146.  Their strong play this weekend has earned each of them Player of the Week honors.

Being the last pairing to step to the scorer’s table for the Boys 15-19 Division, Miller’s attention was solely on the scoreboard as he scanned his competitors to see the score to beat.  Having posted the fourth best score during the first round and being only two strokes behind the leader going into the second round, he knew that a solid round would give him a chance to finish the weekend victorious.  While Miller finished three strokes behind the eventual winner, he was able to card an impressive six birdies on the weekend.  Miller was particularly successful on par-5’s throughout the weekend posting three-under-par for the tournament.  This was the first IJGT event this year for Miller and IJGT followers should look for his continued success as the season progresses.

Playing in only her second IJGT event, Saya Aono, a Hank Haney Junior Golf Academy (HHIJGA) student, continues to impress after once again finishing in the top three.  During her first round, Aono posted an impressive 72 which put her two strokes ahead of her nearest competitor.  Aono demonstrated a strong feel for the course throughout her first round and was able to limit costly mistakes.  In her second round, Aono continued to play well beyond her years.  She finished the tournament one shot behind the leader and showed that her solid play and competitive attitude will put her in position to challenge for a Championship in every tournament she enters.  Aono will look to capture that elusive championship this weekend at The Georgia Open at Savannah Harbor in Savannah, Ga.